MAYA

“What is this place? Where am I?” I managed to ask, wiping my nose on my shoulder as I sniffled.

Isabella didn't even look at me anymore. She glanced at her watch, looking bored. Then, with a sharp snap of her fingers, a guard stepped into the light.

“Bring it,” she commanded.

The guard didn't move. “Ma’am... are you sure?”

For a split second, his eyes shifted toward me. There was a flash of something like pity—the kind of look someone gives when they’re about to do something they’ll regret. My stomach twisted at the sight.

Isabella’s expression went cold. Retreating into the shadows, she stepped back until she...